BIOL 3830U – Coral Reef Ecology

This course is part of the Biological Science – Marine Biology Specialization and is offered by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). The course is only open to students enrolled in the Marine Biology specialization and can only be taken as part of the semester abroad with BIOS.

Basic ecological principles using coral reefs as examples. Biology of corals, primary production, nutrient cycling, diseases, reef fishes, predation, feeding ecology and human impact. Extensive underwater studies. An intensive integrated introduction comprised of lectures, required reading, laboratory exercises and field surveys. The
lectures cover a broad range of relevant topics in coral reef ecology that are supplemented by readings from the primary literature with attention given to active areas of research. The lab work is focused on training in practical techniques.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 6 hrs/week (7 weeks)
Laboratory hours: 6 hrs/week (7 weeks)
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment in the Marine Biology specialization, third-year level standing, and faculty approval.
Experiential learning: Yes